Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Dublin - Sport Capital Of Europe

Dublin has been named the "European Capital of Sport" for 2010. The announcement was made yesterday at the capital's Mansion House, where a number of the city's top sporting stars turned out to show their support.

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Emer Costello, said she hoped the award would capture the public's imagination. "It's testimony to the greatness of the achievement by the huge turnout that we've had here today, and the calibre of sportspeople and the different organisations that have got behind this."

"I think that this as an event - Dublin as the Capital of Sport - will capture the imagination of Dubliners, but I think it will also have a nationwide impact"

The title is awarded by the European Capitals of Sport Association, and the GAA, FAI and IRFU will be amongst the major sporting bodies helping to promote sport in the capital next year. Former WBA super-bantamweight champion Bernard Dunne was amongst those on hand to support the announcement.

The fighter is hoping to be involved in promoting the event, and encouraging youth participation. "Dublin City - to me it's my home, and it's an honour to represent." Dunne said.

"If we can promote sport and promote Dublin as a county, not just in Ireland but around the world and encourage kids to get involved in sport that's everything I stand for."